It’s a big step toward greater consumer protection and responsible use of resources: In the U.S. state of New York, a law has been passed that gives consumers the right to repair electrical appliances.

Manufacturers get more responsibility

The Digital Fair Repair Act can significantly extend the life of electronic devices. (Image source: Pixabay)

According to the “Digital Fair Repair Act” passed at the end of December 2022, original equipment manufacturers, or the manufacturers’ repair providers, must make spare parts and know-how for the maintenance and repair of their devices more easily accessible. Diagnostic and repair information, as well as parts and tools, must be made available on “fair and reasonable terms.” And this applies both to consumers directly and to independent repair service providers.

The law applies to all devices whose function depends in whole or in part on digital electronics. At the same time, it applies only to products first manufactured, sold or used on or after July 1, 2023.

The Digital Fair Repair Act can be downloaded from the New York Senate website.

Source: GTAI (Germany Trad & Invest)